6 Book-to-Movie Adaptations I’m Excited About For 2023
Good news for fiction lovers: Some excellent movies are coming this year!
Bearing the burden of the negativity around for too long?
Consider this a sign from the universe that you need a break.
Here’s a hand-picked list of upcoming movies adapted from some of the world’s favorite books.
The stories cover multiple genres such as contemporary fiction, suspense, paranormal thriller, sci-fi, adventure, and feminist literature. No matter your comfort genre, there’s something for everyone on this list.
Since these movies will be available worldwide soon, now’s a great time to brush your memory and give each of these books a (re?) read.
(Note: The links mentioned in this article are affiliate links. If you choose to purchase these books through them, it will help me earn a small amount — at no extra cost to you. Thanks!)
1. A Man Called Ove by Fredrick Backman
Fredrik Backman takes you on a delightfully comforting journey with Ove; a short-tempered old man considered a lousy neighbor. Ove’s idyllic world is so shaken with pain that he feels he no longer has anything to live for.
And so, Ove decides to die.
But the universe has other plans for him.
The story imparts an important lesson about moving on from grief and standing firm in adversity. Chapter by chapter, the author reveals the transformation of a hard-working boy to a self-contained man and, parallelly, a grief-stricken husband to a healing, proud grandfather.
You’ll have difficulty controlling your tears while watching this movie if you're a sensitive soul. I cried at several parts during the book, and am waiting for my heart to be devastated once again by the movie adaptation.
The movie, released in 2015, was nominated for Best Foreign Language Film and Best Makeup and Hairstyling at the 89th Academy Awards. In February 2022, Sony Pictures acquired worldwide distribution rights to the film for $60 million and set it for a Christmas 2022 release.
My favorite quotes from A Man Called Ove by Fredrick Backman
“We always think there’s enough time to do things with other people. Time to say things to them. And then something happens and then we stand there holding on to words like ‘if’.”
“Men are what they are because of what they do. Not what they say.”
Get yourself a copy of this book here.
2. The Screaming Staircase by Jonathan Stroud
Londoners face an unprecedented problem.
Unfriendly ghosts haunt the living at night.
This has given rise to multiple competing agencies claiming to exorcise these ghosts.
Their weapon of choice?
A bunch of uniquely powered teens who can see and feel these ghosts until they turn 20.
The book revolves around one such agency named Lockwood & Co. Lucy Carlyle is called upon to investigate the most haunted house in England, The Combe Carey Hall.
This book will not let you move until you find the answer to the question — Will the screaming staircase be the last case for Lucy and Lockwood Co., or will they find a way to restrain the screamer?
Big Talk Productions announced its plans to adapt this exciting book into a Netflix series, the filming for which began in 2021.
My favorite quotes from The Screaming Staircase by Jonathan Stroud
“There was a profound silence, abruptly broken by an enormously loud rumble from George’s stomach. Plaster didn’t actually fall from the ceiling, but it was close.”
“The caretaker was certainly very ancient, a tight and desiccated thing from which all softness and moisture had long since been extracted.”
Get yourself a copy of this book here.
3. Hallowe’en Party by Agatha Christie
Nobody takes the boastful teen Joyce Reynolds seriously at Rowena Drake’s Hallowe’en party. Not even when she keeps telling everyone she witnessed a murder once.
Until Joyce is found dead and drowned in an apple-bobbing tub.
Hercule Poirot enters the plot to investigate the murder and discover the truth behind a series of killings. The convoluted mystery fueled by the sudden death of Rowena’s aunt and a 16-year-old shop assistant will leave you awestruck.
Will Poirot be able to untangle these murder mysteries and provide justice to the dead? That’s the premise of this page-turner by the Queen of Crime, Agatha Christie.
I have high hopes for the movie, A Haunting in Venice, based on Christie’s masterpiece. It will be fascinating to watch Poirot on the big screen as he figures out who the murderer is.
My favorite quotes from the Hallowe’en Party by Agatha Christie
“I know there’s a proverb which that says ‘To err is human,’ but a human error is nothing to what a computer can do if it tries.”
“You and I have a principle in common. We do not approve of murder.”
Get yourself a copy of this book here.
4. Dune (part 2) by Frank Herbert
All science fiction lovers are eagerly waiting for Dune, part 2.
After the first part of the film was a blockbuster, the novel's second half is ready to be presented on the big screen in November 2023.
In the last part, Paul Atreides’s family takes over Arrakis, the most valuable desert planet in the galaxy.
But with power comes the responsibility to protect what you have. This movie will take you on a mystical journey with Paul Atreides fighting against the enemies who destroyed his loving family.
He comes to a point where he has a choice between the love of his life and his fate. Will he be able to prevent future mishaps and save the ones he loves the most?
I am excited to dive into the fascinating universe of Dune with a perfect blend of politics, conspiracy, and religion.
My favorite quotes from Dune by Frank Herbert
“The mystery of life isn’t a problem to solve, but a reality to experience.”
“I must not fear. Fear is the mind-killer. Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration. I will face my fear. I will permit it to pass over me and through me. And when it has gone past I will turn the inner eye to see its path. Where the fear has gone there will be nothing. Only I will remain.”
Get yourself a copy of this book here.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is one of my favorite classic children’s novels.
Charlie Bucket, a poor little boy, lands in a chocolate dreamland after he finds Mr. Willy Wonka’s golden ticket and wins a chance to visit his mysterious chocolate factory.
The boy visits this factory with his grandfather, and his life changes for good.
All the characters are super interesting, and the novel made me visualize this chocolate world, which is every child’s fantasy. I can’t contain my excitement to see that in the movie to replenish my childhood memories.
The movie, Wonka, to be released in December 2023, depicts the captivating story of Willy Wonka and what inspired him to become a great chocolatier in his time. So, grab your favorite chocolates and watch this movie with your family or friends.
My favorite quotes from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl
“Everything in this room is edible. Even I’m edible. But, that would be called canibalism. It is looked down upon in most societies.”
“You should never, never doubt something that no one is sure of.”
Get yourself a copy of this book here.
The Color Purple by Alice Walker
The Color Purple is one of the finest works of Alice Walker and a famous novel that won the Pulitzer Prize in 1983.
The novel extensively talks about domestic violence and sexual abuse through the story of a young black girl Celie. The plot revolves around the lives of African American women in the early 20th century and their silent sufferings.
Celie is a victim of sexual assault by her father. She starts to write letters to God and beg for help when she feels hopeless. After getting married to an abusive man and saving her sister, she writes letters to her sister expressing her grief.
It is one of the most awaited movies in 2023 that will shock you and make you question humanity. The Color Purple will take you through the painful experiences of African American women, their bravery, love for each other, and growth.
My favorite quotes from The Color Purple by Alice Walker are
“I think it pisses God off if you walk by the color purple in a field somewhere and don’t notice it.”
“Everything want to be loved. Us sing and dance and holler, just trying to be loved.”
Get yourself a copy of this book here.
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